$20M boost to help victims

Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards and Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan have welcomed $635,006 for local family violence services as part of a $20.2 state government million funding package announced last week to provide support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The funding will allow local support service providers to respond to the increase in demand for family violence support for women and children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said for some women, the biggest fear during this pandemic won’t be coronavirus – it will be the fear they can’t escape a violent partner. “That’s why this funding is so important – it will give them and their children a safe place to go,” Ms Edwards said.Central Victoria’s Centre for Non-Violence has welcomed the state government’s commitment of extra funding.

Centre for Non-Violence chief executive officer Margaret Augerinos said support for victim/survivors of family violence will be further strengthened through additional funding for phone-based and online responses and outreach support. See the Mail for the full story. Out now.